According to a transcript provided by the White House, Obama spoke after his meeting with Castro and noted the complex history between the US and Cuba.

"The history between the United States and Cuba is obviously complicated, and over the years a lot of mistrust has developed," Obama said. "But during the course of the last several months, there have been contacts between the U.S. and the Cuban government. And in December, as a consequence of some of the groundwork that had been laid, both myself and President Castro announced a significant change in policy and the relationship between our two governments."

Relations between US and the island nation, which is located about 100 miles south of Florida began to deteriorate in 1959 after the revolution that brought the Communist regime of Castro's brother, Fidel, to power.

"Over time it is possible for us to turn the page and develop a new relationship between our two countries," Obama said.

Obama also reiterated past comments he has made that is was time for a shift in US policy towards Cuba.

"I think that after 50 years of policy that had not changed on the part of the United States, it was my belief that it was time to try something new, that it was important for us to engage more directly with the Cuban government and the Cuban people," Obama said. "And as a consequence, I think we are now in a position to move on a path towards the future, and leave behind some of the circumstances of the past that have made it so difficult, I think, for our countries to communicate."

Obama also claimed "majorities of the American people and the Cuban people" have reacted "positively" to the decision to normalize relations. Along with touting the new relationship between the two countries, Obama acknowledged "there are still going to be deep and significant differences between our two governments."

President Barack Obama and Raul Castro with other leaders at the Summit of the Americas.
AP
Among other things, the US has concerns about democracy and human rights in Cuba. The Cuban government also has issues with US policy, which Castro outlined in his speech at the summit. According to the pool report, Obama acknowledged Castro's remarks, which led to a smile from the Cuban president.

"I think what we have both concluded is that we can disagree with the spirit of respect and civility, and that over time it is possible for us to turn the page and develop a new relationship in our two countries," Obama said.

Obama concluded by thanking Castro for "the spirit of openness and courtesy that he has shown during our interactions."

"I think if we can build on this spirit of mutual respect and candidness, that over time we will see not just a transformation in the relationship between our two countries, but a positive impact throughout the hemisphere and the world," Obama said.

Castro spoke in Spanish following his talks with Obama and his comments were translated through an interpreter. According to the White House transcript, Castro expressed agreement with Obama's remarks saying, "I think that what President Obama has just said, it's practically the same as we feel about the topics."

Despite expressing optimism that the US-Cuba relationship can improve, like Obama, Castro acknowledged there are disagreements between the countries.

"I think that everything can be on the table. I think that we can do it, as President Obama has just said, with respect for the ideas of the other. We could be persuaded of some things; of others, we might not be persuaded," Castro said, adding, "But when I say that I agree with everything that the President has just said, I include that we have agreed to disagree. No one should entertain illusions. It is true that we have many differences. Our countries have a long and complicated history, but we are willing to make progress in the way the President has described."

Castro concluded by expressing confidence the US and Cuba can "develop a friendship."

"We shall continue advancing in the meetings which are taking place in order to reestablish relations between our countries," he said. "We shall open our embassies. We shall visit each other, having exchanges, people to people. And all that matters is what those neighbors can do; we are close neighbors, and there are many things that we can have."

Castro also acknowledged the members of the US and Cuban delegations and urged them to listen to their leaders. According to the pool report, this prompted a laugh from Obama. The pair shook hands before reporters were ushered out of the room.

This post was updated at 5:03 p.m. with details from the White House transcript.